A girl’s courage and presence of mind led authorities to promptly rescue her from being married off in Rajasthan’s Kota. The minor took it upon herself to dial officials days ahead of the scheduled child marriage, which was set to take place on April 26.
According to available information, the girl called the helpline of the Childline India Foundation and reported that her parents were about to marry her off to a young man from Jhalawar, even though she had not consented to the illegal union.
“Uncle, please stop my child marriage,” she said on the phone.
The child also told the helpline operator that she was being physically assaulted for resisting the marriage. The tip-off caused teams of the District Child Protection Unit, the Department for Child Rights, and an NGO to spring into action.
The girl was subsequently taken into safe custody by the responding officials. A case was also registered at the local police station over the planned child marriage.
The minor was also presented before the Child Welfare Committee for further proceedings. After receiving counselling, she has been shifted to a government girls’ home on a temporary basis.
Following the case, the local administration reiterated that child marriage is a punishable offence under the law, and strict action will continue in such cases. This incident underscores the impact of timely intervention by authorities in curbing social evils.
Child marriages are prohibited across India under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. However, such marriages are solemnised every year in Rajasthan during Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej locally. The festival is considered one of the most auspicious days for weddings in many rural areas.
– Ends
(With inputs from PTI)
Published On:
Apr 21, 2026 12:29 IST
